Leakage Current Detection in Neural Stimulation Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neural stimulation systems face challenges in preventing leakage currents, which can be harmful to patients due to unwanted DC current application, especially in implantable devices like Deep Brain Stimulation systems.
Innovation Solution
An electronic system for neural applications that includes a leakage current detection mechanism, allowing for the detection and prevention of leakage currents, with a design that ensures electrical signals have substantially zero DC content or inherently limited DC current, and incorporates integrated passive devices to minimize tissue leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If DC blocking capacitors are used to prevent leakage currents, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive DC blocking capacitors with an active leakage current detection system that uses electronic circuitry to detect and respond to leakage currents. This substitution allows for more precise control and monitoring of leakage prevention, addressing the contradiction by providing safety through active detection rather than passive blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where leakage currents are continuously detected and the system responds by switching to a safe state. This feedback loop provides dynamic safety control, improving upon static DC blocking capacitor approaches while maintaining patient safety through real-time monitoring and response.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If leakage current detection means are added to detect and prevent leakage currents, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the leakage current detection system to automatically detect and respond to leakage conditions without requiring external intervention. The system self-monitors and self-corrects by switching to a safe state when leakage is detected, reducing the need for complex external safety systems while maintaining high safety standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary protection measures by designing the detection system to identify potential leakage conditions before they become harmful. The system proactively switches to a safe state upon detection, preventing harm before it occurs rather than reacting after damage is done.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical signals are designed with substantially zero DC content to prevent leakage, then patient safety is improved, but signal quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the DC content parameter of electrical signals, designing them to have substantially zero DC content to prevent leakage currents. This parameter optimization allows the system to maintain signal quality for neural stimulation while eliminating harmful DC components, resolving the contradiction between safety and signal effectiveness.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electronic system (500) for a system for neural applications (100), especially a neurostimulation and/or neurorecording system (100), further especially a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system (100), comprising at least one first connector element (510) and at least one second connector element (520), the first connector element (510) being configured such that the electronic system (500) is directly and/or indirectly connectable or connected to a controller (110) which is at least configured to supply and/or provide and/or measure at least one voltage and/or at least one current and/or at least one voltage waveform and/or at least one current waveform especially via one or more stimulation outputs and/or recording inputs (110), the second connector element (520) being configured such that the electronic system (500) is directly and/or indirectly connectable or connected to a lead (300) for neural stimulation and/or recording, wherein the electronic system comprises at least one leakage current detection means (550), wherein the at least one leakage current detection means (550) is configured such that a leakage current, especially a leakage current within and/or around the system for neural applications (100) is detectable. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a lead for neural stimulation, a controller, an advanced lead can element, a neurostimulation and/or neurorecording system and a method of operating an electronic system.